Although the book’s subtitle says the usual thing, calling it a “gripping and unputdownable psychological thriller”, I think it is more than that. I think it’s time for a new sub-genre to be brought onto the scene of psych thrillers: a mix of FAFO and dysfunctional family. This book is the epitome of it. A child is born, a child isn’t treated well, and those who were supposed to love the said child have done anything but love the said child. The child grows up, and then everyone gets to face the consequences of their actions and inactions.
I don’t know who the target audience and the ideal readers for this new sub-genre are, but I know I am. I see and I know Bee was meant to be this unlikable, unstable, evil character. Yet here I am, loving her, rooting for her. My CPTSD-ridden and my RSD-ridden part loved her and found her so, so relatable. Everything she did made so much sense to me. You go, Bee. Watch the world burn, here, have some more matches. Turns out, I have my very own inner Bee, and my inner Bee is one strong and resilient bish. My inner Bee saw whatever the book Bee did and smiled a sad smile. Also, my inner Bee wanted to hug all the reds out of the book Bee (and her BPD, yes, you are welcome, I’m in a mood for handing out psych diagnoses today, and BPD is what Bee gets).
This most definitely is not a book that is going to be everyone’s cup of tea. But it’s the best blood-flavored cup of your favorite hot drink if you are a die-hard fan of totally messed-up family dynamics in your books and if you live for reading unhinged characters.
I wish there were some sort of catalogue of books with THIS kind of dynamic. If you know what I’m talking about here, you are more than welcome to share your bookish suggestions with me.